Research Skills required by PhD students E3: Constructively defend research outcomes at seminars and viva examination

Check this skill

By the time students complete a PhD, they should be able to answer ‘Yes’ to most of these questions.

• Can you describe how your findings relate to the published literature?
• Can you articulate clearly what distinguishes your research from other related research?
• Can you articulate the nature and extent of your contribution to knowledge in your field?
• Can you recognise a legitimate challenge to your research when you hear or read one?
• Can you respond to challenges with concrete, evidence-based replies?
• Can you give an example of when a challenge to or question about your research led to a full and constructive discussion?

Evidence of this skill

These are examples of documents you can collect. Each implies a piece or work, which may be a good way for you to develop this skill.

• Probation mini-viva.
• PhD defence.
• Performance at an internal or external seminar.
• Performance in answering questions to a paper you have presented at a conference
• Record of active participation in discussion groups.

This page is based upon material produced by The Open University’s research school to support doctoral students.